Embrace the Learning Curve

Bringing a new puppy or dog into your life is an exciting and rewarding experience. But let’s be real—it can also be overwhelming. You might find yourself questioning your every move, wondering if you are doing things right. Here’s the truth: You will make mistakes. And that’s okay.

Learning from Mistakes—A Natural Part of Dog Ownership

I know this because I have been through it myself. With every single dog I have fostered and every puppy I have raised, I have made mistakes along the way. Sometimes small ones, sometimes bigger ones. Part of my job as a dog trainer is to teach you from my mistakes and support you while you make your own mistakes with your dog. Mistakes are a natural part of learning, for both you and your dog.

The Foundations Remain the Same, Regardless of Your Goals

Whether you have big dreams for your puppy—perhaps to become a therapy dog, an assistance dog, a sports competitor, or simply the best family pet—you still have to raise your puppy. The foundations stay the same. Puppies, regardless of their future roles, go through the same stages of development and hormonal changes. They will have good days and not-so-good days. They will test boundaries, make messes, and sometimes completely forget what they have learned.

Understanding Your Dog Takes Time

It is a process to get to know your dog, and for pups, it takes the first two years to see the final product of both their nature and nurture. During this time, you’ll see how your dog’s genetics and the environment you provide combine to shape their behaviours, unleash their potential, and enjoy your life together.

What Success Looks Like: Practicality Over Perfection

One of the biggest lessons I have learned over the years is that success is dictated by what works for the dog—regardless of your opinion or mine—and what the dog owner will actually do. It is no use to provide strategies or techniques if they are not practical or realistic for you to follow through on. My goal is to find the right balance that meets your dog’s needs and fits into your lifestyle.

Balancing Pressure and Patience

Make sure you put enough pressure on yourself so you don’t become complacent and end up in no-man’s land. But not so much that you are actually inhibited from helping your dog or make yourself and your dog miserable. Finding this balance is crucial—not just for your dog’s development but for your own peace of mind as well.

Focusing on Foundational Skills

The key is to focus on building a strong foundation of basic skills. This includes engaging on cue, relaxing on cue, and behaving appropriately within your home and out in the world. Teaching these foundational skills is much like teaching a child their ABCs and 123s before expecting them to read or do maths. These skills prepare your dog for whatever future you envision for them.

Be Kind to Yourself and Keep Moving Forward

Along the way, remember to be kind to yourself. If a day doesn’t go as planned, if your dog regresses in training, or if you find yourself frustrated, take a deep breath. You are not alone. You are learning, and so is your dog. With patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes, you and your dog will grow together. And I am here to support you every step of the way.